Cook Islands Act 1915 Passed

The Cook Islands Act established a comprehensive legal framework for the governance and administration of the Cook Islands, which are located in the South Pacific Ocean. Prior to this legislation, the term 'Cook Islands' was not uniformly applied to all islands within the group, leading to ambiguity regarding the territorial extent and governance of these islands. The Act rectified this by explicitly defining the geographical boundaries of the Cook Islands, thereby including all currently recognized islands within its jurisdiction. This legislative change was crucial in solidifying the identity and governance structure of the Cook Islands, which operates as a unitary constitutional monarchy under the monarchy of Charles III. The official name in Cook Islands Māori, Kūki 'Āirani, reflects the islands' cultural heritage and connection to their historical roots. The Act not only clarified the political status of the islands but also laid the groundwork for their future development and self-governance, allowing Cook Islanders to define their own identity and pursue their aspirations within a stable legal framework.